What Bureau County United Way dollars go for ...

With the help of the Bureau County United Way, The Center for Youth and Family Solutions provides Pregnancy Planning and Family Support.

We could tell you all the reasons why you would choose to work with our Pregnancy Planning and Family Support Services Team, but we thought it might be more helpful for you to hear from others who have used these services in the past.

Beth’s Story

When I first found out I was pregnant, I did not know what to do. I just wore big sweatshirts and did not say anything to anyone. When my parents finally asked me and I said “yes,” they made a plan for me to go to see a Pregnancy Planning and Family Support Services counselor. I was not happy about this. I did not want to give my baby up for adoption.

I went to the appointment and was surprised that the counselor did not try to talk me into making an adoption plan. She listened to what I wanted and helped me think about how I would raise may baby. She also told me about open adoption. I liked this idea because I could finish growing up and still see my baby. I liked the idea of my baby having two parents and a stable life, something I could not give just yet.

It has been three years since my baby’s adoption, and I do not regret my decision. I love my baby, and I also know that I was not ready to be a mom. I do feel sad that I could not give him what he needed, but then again, I did. Through open adoption he gets to know me, and he gets to have a happy, loving, two-parent family.

Beth

Our Pregnancy Planning and Family Support Services program is here to help:

• Confidential and supportive.

• Open adoption available.

• Medical expenses covered (adoption).

• Pregnancy options counseling.

• No pressure.

• You design your plan.

• Convenient. Local offices and toll free after hours availability.

The Center for Youth and Family Solutions’ LaSalle Branch office remains at 815 Second St. and still can be reached at 815-223-4007. The LaSalle branch offers a comprehensive range of programming in behavioral health counseling, foster care and infant adoptions. The Center for Youth and Family Solutions’ Counseling Program provides professional, affordable counseling services to individuals, couples and families. Bureau County United Way funding allows us to offer a sliding fee scale based on client income and number of dependents. Last year we helped 62 families of Bureau County and 128 Individuals through our counseling program.

The Bureau County United Way is located at 401 S. Main St. in Princeton and provides funding help for 15 local non-profit member agencies, as well as providing a variety of community services. Call the Bureau County United Way at 815-872-0821 for information on how you can lend a helping hand to those in need in Bureau County.